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Hussey handed welcome break

Australia have opted to rest Mike Hussey in order to ensure he is fully prepared for the upcoming tour of South Africa.

Last Updated: 10/10/11 10:19am

Mike Hussey: Resting up ahead of South Africa trip

Australia have opted to rest Mike Hussey in order to ensure he is fully prepared for the upcoming one-day and Test series in South Africa.

The 36-year-old left-handed batsman has returned home from Champions League Twenty20 duty with the Chennai Super Kings and could have been welcomed back by Western Australia this week.

But Cricket Australia have decided to give Hussey the week off from domestic competition.

Western Australia's match against Tasmania was scheduled to end on Friday, the day Hussey is expected to fly to South Africa.

"His (Hussey's) workload has been significant," Cricket Australia general manager Michael Brown said in a statement. "Looking at all the coming international fixtures, it was decided that it is best for Michael if he sits out this week."

Australia will play two T20 matches - the first starting on Thursday - three limited-over internationals and two Tests during the tour.